I had similar symptoms and several er visits! My chest was very heavy, and I was waking in the night coughing.
I was very physically active, with no heartburn history. When my new doctor suggested I change my diet, I was highly doubtful that it could be that simple. That was 5 years ago, and my spouse just did the same thing. He is now free of heartburn meds, and all of the crazy symptoms that acid reflux can cause. Chest discomfort being the worst, and we don’t wish that on anyone. It does take a month to heal esophagus and relieve symptoms. The Acid Watcher Diet, by Jonathan Aviv, was our guide. Good luck. Be well!